Winter Park City Commission Regular Meeting – December 10, 2025

The Winter Park City Commission met on December 10, 2025, at 3:30 PM in City Hall Commission Chambers. The meeting was called to order with an invocation by Pastor Preston Free of Encounter Christian Church and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was approved with two items (10.c.1 and 10.e.1) pulled for separate discussion, then approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:47 PM.

Mayor's Report

• Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann, representing the Tri-County League of Cities, invited increased participation and discussed pending legislation to reduce or dissolve property taxes. He emphasized that property taxes fund essential services and warned that without an implementation bill, many cities would face bankruptcy. Mayor Sheila DeCiccio noted that 44% of police and fire funding comes from property taxes.
• The Winter Park High School girls' volleyball team was recognized for winning back-to-back state championships (31-1 record). Coach Gibson praised the team's grit and determination.

City Manager's Report

• Splash, Float, Swim Program: Director Jason Seeley and Michael Dively reported that over 1,500 children have completed the program. Starting spring 2025, the program will expand to offer free lessons for 3- and 4-year-olds, funded by Parks & Rec budget, a $5,000 USA Swimming Foundation grant, a $5,000 personal donation, and proceeds from the annual Dinner on the Avenue. The program aims to reduce drowning, which is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 4 and under in the U.S.
• Park Avenue Refresh Phase 1 Update: Project Manager Clarissa Howard and Alex Stringfellow presented the progress. Construction begins January 20, 2026, starting from Webster to Garfield. The project includes 45 new streetlights (already delivered), 10 new live oak trees, bulb-outs, safety bollards, irrigation, and directional boring. Phase 2 design (Garfield to New England) will kick off in Q1 2026. Over 120 meetings, 1,300 survey responses, and ongoing merchant coordination were noted.
• Other Announcements: AdventHealth University Service Day resulted in 84 volunteers removing 134 pounds of trash and 1,100 gallons of invasive arrowhead vines. The city was awarded $19 million from the State Revolving Fund (half forgivable, half zero-interest for 20 years) for wastewater system upgrades. Landscaping work on Lee Road will begin shortly.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Transformer at Rollins Faculty Housing (926 Palmer Ave): Residents of Douglas Grand spoke in opposition to the location of an electric transformer at the Rollins project. Mark Butner (325 W. Welbourne Ave) presented a petition with 42 owners requesting relocation. Michael Dick (100 S. Virginia Ave) argued the placement violates city code on aesthetic appeal and setback requirements, showing it is only 5 feet from the sidewalk. Terry Hotard (200 Carolina Ave) supported moving the transformer to the parking lot. David Lamm (Lamm & Company) showed images of similar transformers citywide and requested only rotating the unit 180 degrees with screening. City Manager Knight confirmed that rotating and landscaping would meet code. Commissioner Lindsey suggested developing a process for approving transformer locations in future developments.

Action Items Requiring Discussion

• Code Enforcement Fine Reduction (2661 Via Tuscany): Director Gary Hiatt reviewed the timeline: violations began in March 2021; the Code Compliance Board found proper notice given. Fines totaled approximately $331,000. Cesar Celis (representing Developer and Builder Group) and Jose Patino requested elimination of fines, citing COVID, Hurricane Ian, insurance denial, and lack of notification. Commissioners noted the property owner attended a 2022 hearing and agreed to a 60-day completion. Motion to deny the reduction passed unanimously (5-0).
• Billboard Swap MOU: City Manager Knight explained a global MOU among Clear Channel Outdoor, Lamar, and Outfront Media to remove 10 billboard structures from city core and relocate some to I-4 and Wymore property. Clear Channel will also upgrade the remaining digital billboard at 17-92/Gay Road with light-directional technology to reduce light pollution. The city is not a party to the MOU; future annexations and property swaps will require ordinances and county approval. Motion to approve the MOU and direct staff to begin implementation passed unanimously (5-0), with a condition that the Gay Road billboard uses new technology.
• Civil Service Board Reappointments: Reappointed Ansley Butts and Stephen Stutzer to the Civil Service Board (both unanimous).

Public Hearings: Quasi-Judicial Matters

• Historic Designation for 275 N. Capen Ave (Resolution 2309-25): The property, built in 1925, was designated a historic resource on the Winter Park Register of Historic Places. The Historic Preservation Board recommended approval. Speakers included Michelle Talbert (daughter of owner Dr. James Talbert), Shannon St. John, and Linda Fay Washington, who highlighted the home's significance to the Hannibal Square community and its role as a tribute to working families. Motion carried unanimously (5-0).

Public Hearings: Non-Quasi-Judicial Matters

• Ordinance 3360-25 – Certified Recovery Residences: Creating regulations and procedures for reasonable accommodation per state law. No public comments. Adopted unanimously (5-0) on second reading.
• Ordinance 3361-25 – Land Development Code Amendments: Updating regulations for nonconforming lots/structures and stormwater management, including a fee-in-lieu option for small sites. No public comments. Adopted unanimously (5-0) on second reading.
• Item 13c (lot split for lakefront property at 1020 Palmer Ave) was tabled to February 25, 2026, at the applicant's request.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously denied reduction of code enforcement fines ($331k).
• Approved the billboard swap MOU with condition for light-directional technology at Gay Road.
• Reappointed Ansley Butts and Stephen Stutzer to the Civil Service Board.
• Adopted Resolution 2309-25 designating 275 N. Capen Ave as a historic resource.
• Adopted Ordinances 3360-25 and 3361-25 on second reading.
• Directed staff to develop a process for approving transformer and switch gear locations in future developments.
• Directed transportation staff to investigate a pedestrian-actuated crosswalk signal on Glenridge Way.
• Planned a community meeting on e-scooter and e-bike safety, in coordination with schools and police.
• Commissioner Cruzada appointed Melissa Valley to the Lake Killarney Board and Jeffrey Grant to the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
• Added a second slide for next year's holiday event to reduce wait times.